Addiction is an uncontrollable dependence on a substance, behaviour or
activity. Addiction can cause physical, mental and emotional problems
and is typically identified by two types: substance addiction (e.g.
drugs, alcohol, nicotine) and process addiction (e.g. gambling, sex,
shopping, eating). Typical symptoms of addiction include impairment,
tolerance, attachment and withdrawal.

Causes

An addiction develops as a result of several factors and can't be
attributed to any single reason. Certain substances trigger a chemical
change in the brain resulting in feelings that people enjoy and want to
repeat. Winning at the tables gives a gambler a similar 'high' and
desire for repetition. Once these habits begin to form, they become a
regular part of life and an addiction.

Genetic factors such as
a family history of substance abuse or a physical sensitivity to
certain substances can make people vulnerable to addiction. Peer
pressure, influence and advertising are part of social learning factors
that heavily contribute to a person developing an addiction. Social
problems such as poverty and unemployment can cause addictions, as can
stress and pressure to perform. People indulge in certain substances,
behaviour or activity as a way to escape their predicament or as a
coping mechanism.

Some healthcare professionals believe that
certain character traits can trigger addiction. People who are
impulsive, self-centred and manipulative are believed to be vulnerable
to becoming addicts. However, many doctors believe these traits develop
from addiction rather than being the cause of it.

Symptoms

While each addiction has its own set of physical, mental and emotional
problems, many addictions have common symptoms. Addiction can lead to a
lack of self-control resulting in an addict struggling to manage their
behaviour, activity or use of the substance. An addiction also causes
impairment and the addict is unable to see any harm in their actions,
or if they do, they're unable to stop themselves.

As an
addiction develops, a person's tolerance to a substance or behaviour
increases leading them to want more of it and their attachment grows
stronger meaning the dependency is impossible to break. Finally, when
the cause of the addiction is removed, withdrawal symptoms are
triggered that manifest in a negative physical or emotional response.

Diagnosis

Admitting to an addiction is extremely difficult and many people are
unable to do so without help. Family and friends often intervene to
help the addict confront their problem by taking them to see a
healthcare professional. Many people prefer to attend community
projects where they can speak about their problem with other addicts.

Diagnosis
of an addiction is based on a number of criteria including loss of
willpower, preoccupation, consequences, inability to manage lifestyle,
tolerance, escalation of use and withdrawal symptoms when quitting.